I was reading an article recently about the Hurricane Michael destruction in 2018 in Mexico Beach, FL and came across this statement from a longtime resident: “I have lived here for 30 years, and I couldn’t find my own street at first. And now I have to count street entrances every time to get back. There is nothing left to tell me where I am.” Wow. What an amazing and terrifying statement! The hurricane came through our city too, and we had a lot of damage..but nothing compared to that.

However, as we have all been part of the last 4 months (since I have posted) I believe it is very safe to say that being disoriented now is the new normal. Nothing feels right, looks right, or has much resemblance to the lives we were living just back in January. Things that used to be so simple are now a thousand times harder with masks, gloves, and “social distancing!” in place. All the comforts of routine and a daily schedule are gone. As one Facebook post says, the most useless Christmas gift of 2019 was a 2020 planner!

In other words, we are all experiencing a great deal of disorientation, and many, many people are struggling to find guidance and a map to navigate this crisis. Doctors, scientists, the president, astrologers, worldwide health organizations and thousands of other “experts” have weighed in with their ideas and opinions. It’s been hard to understand and information overload.

Yep, my world and yours have been disrupted and scattered. Things we never thought possible..all major sports cancelled..the Olympics cancelled..Vegas shut down..have all happened. Toilet paper has become the new gold. Everyone told to stay home. And those suffering with allergies treated like thay have leprosy. Family members watching a loved one die by phone because of contagion worries.

And now, we have rioting and looting in a lot of major cities because of a murder, and it has been escalating every day. Curfews, laws, and common sense and decency have been abandoned, and it seems as if the world (at least our part of it) has gone completely mad.

So then, the question above…WHERE is God?? Doesn’t He see and know, and care?

YES. Yes He always has, does today, and always will. Isaiah 6:1 assures us where God is: “I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up…”. That has never changed. Before the foundation of this world it was true, and now it is also true, and it will be forever.

Does He know? Absolutely. “The Lord looks down from heaven, He sees all the children of man; from where He sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth.” Psalm 33:13-14. And does He care? Of course! “Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” I Peter 5:14.

Now in the middle of all these things, we also had a tornado touch down behind our house. I was told to leave work (5 miles away) to get home before the storm. Unfortunately, I got home just as it hit, and was out in our carport screaming in terror because my husband locked the storm doors thinking I was safe at work. I faced a new level of terror, and my thought was no! I cannot die in this! Many days later I am still having moments when I flash back to THAT moment of “where ARE you God??” And all of the above answers are true or I would not be writing this! He covered me and protected me, and if He hadn’t His blood shed for me would be the ultimate protection as I would have been with Him face to face!

So here’s the point, and its HUGE. If you are a born again child of God, redeemed by His blood, this is for you and me: “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them.” Psalm 5:11. Amen!